The scorching air, in stark contrast to the icy Alps, was quickly engulfed by an endless cold current, rapidly losing its warmth.
The magma lake, hotter than blood, was gradually fading, blending in with the winding mountains.
The creatures inhabiting the lava lake couldn't withstand the low temperatures and stiffened, perishing.
The eroded environment was gradually returning to normal under the regulation of nature, and the otherworldly realm shrouding the canyon collapsed like an avalanche.
In the moment when the otherworld completely dissipated, that uniquely magnificent scene ceased to exist.
Lorelei watched in astonishment from thousands of meters above, speechless as the vibrant red below rapidly lost its color. The regal aura that had soaked into her bones was gone.
Even though she hailed from the Clock Tower's top-ranked lineage and had witnessed various mysteries, she had never seen such a phenomenon of fantasy crumbling. It was akin to Shinji's first encounter with battles between Servants, a feeling resembling the world-shattering and collapsing, making her acutely aware of her insignificance.
-- Insignificance, not weakness.
It had nothing to do with power; it was simply the immense impact brought about by the extreme shock to her sight and hearing.
And after the impact, an infinite fighting spirit surged forth.
"Compared to the world, humanity is so insignificant. But even in our insignificance, we can emit a brilliant radiance, just like him who triggered all of this."
Lorelei took a deep breath and casually opened the cabin door.
"It seems that the 'Death' has completed the mission. I will go down and meet him."
"But, Miss, the area below hasn't stabilized yet. It's not the right time to go down--"
Lorelei raised her hand to stop "War Machine" from continuing.
"Don't worry. If I can't handle the aftermath of the Child of Einnashe destruction, how can I command all of you? Wait for my signal and be ready to land at any time."
"Yes, Miss."
The howling wind carried the girl's body as if it were weightless, lifting her away from the helicopter and gently descending downwards.
By the time she dispelled the magecraft and stood firmly on the ground, the lava had completely solidified. Only the rising mist from the cracks and the warmth seeping through her boots testified to the existence of the lava lake, evidence that would soon disappear.
The man who personally killed the Child of Einnashe remained as he always was, draped in a plain cloak, squatting beside a mound, absentmindedly prodding at a peculiar fish-like creature with his hand.
Perhaps annoyed by the prodding, the creature suddenly leaped up, its bone wings bristling with sharp spikes, aiming for Shinji's chin.
Shinji remained in his crouched position, casually grabbing the creature under its rib, allowing it to struggle in his hand.
Seeing this scene, any peculiar emotions that had arisen within Lorelei due to the destruction of the Child of Einnashe instantly dissipated.
"You are quite bored, aren't you?"
"If you were faced with relentless assaults from thousands of these things, you wouldn't find me boring," Shintarou said, gripping the creature and standing up.
"No, even if that were the case, I wouldn't do it. It's meaningless. It's an aberration born from the Child of Einnashe and can only attach itself to the Child of Einnashe. With the death of its host, it will soon lose its life and become nothing more than a stone beneath our feet."
As Lorelei had said, whether it was the peculiar fish or the giant serpent, neither were normal creatures. They were elemental life forms formed from the gathering of lava. Once they left the otherworld created by the "Child of Einnashe," they were like water without a source, trees without roots, destined only to return to being rocks.
As if echoing Lorelei's words, the struggling strength of the creature in Shinji's grasp grew weaker and weaker, as if its life had reached its end.
"You're right, assuming that the Child of Einnashe is truly dead."
"Huh?"
Without giving Lorelei a chance to speak, Shinji's empty hand reached under his cloak and retrieved something.
At first glance, it appeared to be a red gemstone with a texture similar to the creature's body. Upon closer inspection, one could sense the magical energy and vitality imbued within it, emanating at a level of spiritual veins.
As soon as the ruby approached, the creature immediately became spirited, gnashing its teeth at Lorelei as if mocking her ignorance.
"This, this is—" Lorelei's body trembled as she thought of a certain possibility.
Seemingly relishing in the astonished gaze of the princess, Shinji didn't answer immediately. Instead, he waved the ruby in front of Lorelei's eyes before speaking.
"This is the core of the 'Child of Einnashe, complete and undamaged. Ah, I admire myself for being able to obtain it in such perfect condition."
"..."
Under normal circumstances, Lorelei would have unleashed her queenly aura and lectured Shinji. She despised his arrogant and self-congratulatory attitude. But today, she did nothing but stare blankly at that red core, as if it possessed an enchanting magic of its own.
After thoroughly enjoying this exceptionally rare expression, Shinji placed the red core in Lorelei's hand.
"Here, it's for you."
"Huh?... Um... Huh?"
Another scene unfolded—a bewildered Lorelei, usually articulate and able to effortlessly pierce through steel and concrete, found herself unable to hold a core that weighed only a few kilograms.
"W-Why?"
This was a unique specimen, a priceless treasure from both a research and magical material perspective. Why would he give such a thing to her?
"Consider it an apology," Shinji scratched his head sheepishly. "When we first met, I insulted you and knocked you out. The second time we met, I used inappropriate etiquette. I've caused you quite a lot of trouble during this time, and I'm sure I'll continue to trouble you in the future. And more importantly... you need this more than I do, don't you?"
His final sentence struck a chord deep within Lorelei's heart.
Shinji didn't know how to use the core. For him, the treasure had no purpose other than selling it for money or exchanging it for resources.
But it was different for Lorelei. The existence of the core proved that her subordinates had achieved an overwhelming victory in their battle against the Child of Einnashe. Without such a triumph, they wouldn't have obtained such a perfect core.
This was her best response within the Barthomeloi family and the greatest return on her investment in Shinji. It demonstrated her strength (for one cannot gain respect without strength) and proved her ability to judge people, which were indispensable qualities for the next leader of the Barthomeloi family.
It was precisely because of this realization that Shinji abandoned the simple and reliable method of destroying the core directly. Instead, he chose to use the magical bag, Kibisis, to sever the connection between the core and the body, obtaining it intact.
Deep in his heart, Shinji eagerly anticipated the moment when Lorelei would return to Barthomeloi with the indisputable spoils of war. It would undoubtedly be a more stunning event than the "return of the lord"—a glorious "queen's coronation."
G: Dogman is cooking
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